Request an interview so you stand out to colleges

Feb. 21, 2014

Sara Dillman, a senior at Oak Hills High School in Cincinnati, and parents Sara and Mike Dillmann on a tour of the Thomas More College in Crestview Hills, Ky., last fall. The college uses the campus visit as a way to get to know applicants. / Photo by Tonya Borgatti for The Enquirer

But requesting an interview will catch an admissions officer’s attention, demonstrating interest in a particular school.

Preparation is important. Just as important as answering questions is having questions to ask.

“If you have done some research and understand why you want to attend this university, ask to speak to someone,” Kellerman said. “Show you’ve gone beyond what you’ve read on the Internet. Have specific questions. Show you’re there for the purpose of evaluating the school and seeing if it’s a good fit for your needs. The admissions officers will see that you’re doing some serious thinking and they’ll take a serious look at you.”

“We have the campus visit and treat that as the interview,” she said. “We want to get to know them. We like to get a feel if the campus is a good fit for them. It’s not like a job interview. It’s more of a way for us to get to know them.”

By visiting campus, students can try the college dining hall, see a dormitory room and meet with faculty and coaches.

“We do everything on an individualized basis,” Lehmer said. “We can get personable with them and really meet their needs. They all have different things they’re looking for. The campus visit is such a crucial component in the decision-making process that it is our No. 1 priority.”

Every college is different, so the campus visit or interview is a chance for a mutual assessment.

“Some students are looking for a small class size,” Lehmer said. “The average class here is 14 students. Some students would rather be one of 100.”

Students should be prepared for a wide range of questions, Kellerman said. He gives examples: “Who is your favorite author? Describe you strongest academic skills. Describe your weakest academic skills. In hindsight, is there any high school activity you wish you had participated in but did not?”

Whether a formal interview or an informal campus visit, students should go with questions and show some knowledge of the colleges they’re applying to attend, Kellerman said.

Lehmer agrees that preparation is important.

“Have a student go into the college visit or interview prepared as far as what they’re looking for,” she said. “If they don’t know, at least go in with an open mind and see if you could see yourself as a student there.”